Follow a Star

Follow a Star is a charming British comedy film released in 1959, directed by Robert Asher and starring the iconic Norman Wisdom, alongside June Laverick and Jerry Desmonde. The movie showcases Wisdom's renowned comedic charming while also offering a heartfelt storyline filled with moments that seam together pieces of humor, sentimentality, and a little bit of drama.

The film's lead character, Norman Truscott (played by Norman Wisdom), is an eccentric and clumsy young man with a penchant for comedy and a heart brimful of good intentions. Despite his light-hearted demeanor, Truscott carries a serious ambition of becoming a pop singer. The movie sees this aspiring pop singer working a rather mundane job in his daylight hours - working at a gramophone factory, a line of work that's far removed from his world of dreams.

Truscott has an unusual and humorous habit of imitating the famous pop singers while listening to their records during his shift. His skills of mimicry are so on-point that they create confusion and hilarity, as people around him simply can't distinguish his voice from the original singers. This comedic theme of mistaken identities persists throughout the movie, and viewers get to see Wisdom flex his comedic chops.

Truscott's life takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with June Laverick who plays the role of Judy, a charming lady with her own unfulfilled dreams who turns out to be instrumental in Truscott's journey towards realizing his ambitions. Judy believes in Truscott’s talent and becomes his unwavering supporter. Truscott has always had a deep admiration for pop singers and had the ability to mimic their style, but it's through Judy that he begins to find his own voice and uniqueness.

The antagonist character in Follow a Star is Mr. Philpots, portrayed by Jerry Desmonde. He is a funnily avaricious music producer who starts to see dollar signs when he learns of Truscott’s unique talent. Philpots hatches a plot to use Truscott's uncanny ability to mimic famous singers for his own selfish gains, introducing an element of tension to the story.

Wisdom's iconic slapstick humor is on full display in Follow a Star, complemented perfectly by his signature motif of the affable underdog who eventually comes out on top. His physical comedy and lovable character are the source of most of the film’s moments of hilarity. From tripping over his own feet, getting stuck in a lift, to messing up at a record recording, the humor that ensues from Wisdom’s shenanigans gives the film its comedic heart.

However, Follow a Star is not merely a comedy. It also comes with a heartfelt narrative that deals with themes of dreams, ambition, love, and friendship. The film touches upon the idea of integrity in arts, talent versus commercial success, and the importance of staying true to one's own style. Look deeper beyond the slapstick and you’ll find meaningful messages underlying the laughs.

June Laverick’s role as Judy provides a heartening counterpoint to Wisdom’s Clown-like antics. In Judy, we see a character who values the authenticity of talent over the superficial glitter of stardom. Her relationship with Truscott offers lovely moments of innocent romance that add another layer to the story.

Set against a backdrop of late 1950s Britain, the movie charmingly captures the period's pop culture and music industry, offering an almost nostalgic feel for the audience. Accompanied by a catchy and foot-tapping score that nicely complements the plotline's glamorous association with the pop music industry, the soundtrack further enhances the viewing experience.

In summary, Follow a Star is a classic 1950s British comedy that provides plenty of laughs with Wisdom’s slapstick antics while delivering a touching story of dreams and aspirations. Though it's filled with humor and amusement, it still manages to deliver its underlying serious message about authenticity and genuine talent. Norman Wisdom fans and those who appreciate classic British comedy will find Follow a Star a joy to watch.